Visit the Ca' d'Oro in Venice: tickets, prices, schedules

You will soon discover the sublime city of Venice and want to visit the famous Ca’ d’Oro? Here is the essential thing to know before visiting this iconic palace!

Located in Venice, Italy, Ca’ d’Oro is one of the most famous palaces in the beautiful Venetian city. It is located along the Grand Canal, in the sestiere (neighborhood) of Cannaregio. Built in the early 15th century, its name means “golden house”, the term “ca” from the Venetian dialect, similar to the word casa in Italian meaning “house”. This nickname “gold house” comes from its superb external, golden and polychrome decorations, which once decorated its walls.

Would you like to visit the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice? Then discover our mini-guide on this beautiful palace in the district of Cannaregio!

History of the Ca’ d’Oro

Built between 1421 and 1434 for Marino Contarini, St. Mark’s attorney, the palace was designed by the Marco d’Amadio architecture, while its decoration is the work of the sculptors Matteo Raverti, and Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon (fathers and sons). The latter two are also known for their work at the Doges Palace , including the decorations of the Porta della Carta and the sculpture of the Judgement of Solomon. As for the original paintings of the facade of the Ca’ d’Oro, which disappeared today, they were made by the painter Jean Charlier, dit Zuane de Francia. You will notice, the façade of the palace is asymmetrical, and two explanations exist on this subject. The first one wants the initial project to tilt the construction of a left wing, which never saw the day. The second that asymmetry is desired in order to innovate and focus the attention of the admirer on the rich ornamentations of the façade!

The palace marks the passage from Gothic style to Renaissance style. Indeed, if the Ca’ d’Oro is part of the beginning of the Venetian Renaissance, it has many Gothic elements, such as the parapets of windows and balconies. Conversely, the colonnade facing the canal or the small square windows on the right side are Renaissance-style elements.

With regard to the history of the Ca’ d’Oro, it changed many times from owners after the fall of the republic of Venice in 1797. The palace was eventually left to the Italian state in 1922 by its last owner, Baron Giorgio Franchetti, who had acquired it in 1894. Today, it welcomes a gallery in the name of this baron, illustrious savior of the building. Venetian, Tuscan and Flemish paintings, as well as sculptures are exhibited in the palace.

What to see and do at the Ca’ d’Oro?

Many magnificent palaces that try the city of Venice, the Ca’ d’Oro stands out as one of the most elegant. It is a treasure of Venetian architecture, between Gothic and Italian Renaissance. The visit to the building will first allow you to discover a working house, with undisputed charm.

But above all, the Ca’ d’Oro is now a museum and is home to a collection of precious art once owned by Baron Giorgio Franchetti – the same one that licked the palace to the Italian state.

Your visit to the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice will allow you to admire on one or two floors of the building of beautiful paintings of the Venetian school, such as the very famous San Sebastiano di Mantegna, as well as works of the Tuscan and Flemish school, as the little Crucifixion attributed to Jan Van de Eyck or the Portrait of Marcello Durazzo de Van Dyck . In addition to these many masterpieces, you can discover bronzes and Renaissance-style sculptures. Thus the visit of the Ca’ d’Oro will immerse you in a pivotal era, a time of fast and luxury, that of the Venetian, Italian and European Renaissance!

How to visit the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice?

Walking through the Ca’ d’Oro in the best conditions requires to prepare its coming. So we list you some important points:

- It is quite possible for the persons with disabilities reduced to visit the Ca’ d’Oro! - About 3 hours will be necessary to visit the Ca’ d’Oro - ♪ Animals are not allowed inside the Ca’ d’Oro - You can't eat in the enclosure of the museum - Baggage or objects of more than 20x30x15cm must be deposited with the vestiaries (0,50€ per item) - If you visit the Ca’ d’Oro and want to diversify your visit, you can opt for a audioguide (4€) or one guided tour !

How to get to the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice?

The Ca’ d’Oro is located in the sestiere of Cannaregio, north of Venice ( Fondamenta Trapolin, 3932, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy ). Located along the Grand Canal, the monument is accessible:

• In vaporetto: Line 1 – Ca’ d’Oro station
• On foot: Crossing the Rialto Bridge

After your visit to the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice, you can also discover the beautiful churches of Cannaregio area , and in particular its 4 most beautiful : Sant’Alvise, la Madonna dell’Orto , Santa Maria Assunta (the Gesuiti) and the splendid Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli .

The district also houses the former Ghetto with its synagogues, as well as the Palace Vendramin Calergi . We also recommend you to walk north of the neighborhood, where a beautiful and clear view of the lagoon awaits you!

Schedules & Rates of the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice

Two options are available for you to visit the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice: book your ticket online or buy it directly at the Ca’ d’Oro ticket office. To know that the reserved ticket is only valid for the day and the selected schedule. It should also be noted that the ticket sales stop 30 minutes before the museum closes.

RATES

Here is the price of tickets to visit the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice:

• Adults (two-storey rate): 11€ (7€ if 2nd floor closure)
• Reduced price two floors: 5,50€ (3,50€ if 2nd floor closure)

Good to know: - Admission is free for -18 years (all nationalities combined). - The reduced rate is for U.E. citizens aged 18 to 25. - Every first Sunday of the month, the visit to the Ca’ d’Oro is free. However, the ticket cannot be booked and must be withdrawn on site.

HORARI

You can visit the Ca’ d’Oro in Venice every day except January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. Two floors are available for the visit, however the second one is not open on Monday:

First floor opening:

• Monday from 8:15 to 14:00
• From Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 to 19:15

Opening of the second floor:

• From Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00